How to Add a Printer to Your Google Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide
Chromebooks are known for their simplicity, speed, and cloud-centric approach. However, sometimes you need to print something tangible. While Chromebooks primarily rely on Google Cloud Print (which has been discontinued), there are still several ways to connect and use a printer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different methods to add a printer to your Chromebook, providing detailed steps and troubleshooting tips.
## Understanding Chromebook Printing
Before diving into the methods, it’s crucial to understand how Chromebook printing works.
* **Legacy Printing (CUPS):** This is the most common method for connecting printers directly to your Chromebook. It utilizes the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS), a modular printing system for Unix-like operating systems, including Chrome OS.
* **IPP (Internet Printing Protocol):** A standard network protocol for printing, allowing you to connect to printers that support IPP directly.
* **IPPS (IPP over TLS):** A secure version of IPP, encrypting the printing data transmitted over the network.
* **Wi-Fi Direct:** Some printers offer Wi-Fi Direct, allowing a direct connection between your Chromebook and the printer without needing a traditional network.
* **Google Cloud Print (Discontinued):** As mentioned earlier, Google Cloud Print is no longer supported. This means you can’t use it as a printing solution anymore.
## Method 1: Adding a Printer Using CUPS (Legacy Printing)
This method is the most versatile and likely to work with a wide range of printers, especially those that are a few years old. It involves manually configuring the printer through the Chromebook’s settings.
**Step 1: Connect Your Printer to the Network**
* **Wired Connection (Ethernet):** Connect the printer to your network using an Ethernet cable. Ensure the printer is powered on.
* **Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi):**
1. On your printer’s control panel, navigate to the network settings.
2. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
3. Ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your Chromebook.
**Step 2: Find Your Printer’s IP Address**
You’ll need your printer’s IP address to configure it on your Chromebook. There are several ways to find it:
* **Printer’s Control Panel:** Most printers display their IP address in the network settings or status report. Look for options like “Network Information,” “Connection Status,” or “Wireless Settings.”
* **Router’s Admin Interface:** Log in to your router’s admin interface (usually by typing its IP address in a web browser – check your router’s documentation). Look for a list of connected devices; your printer should be listed with its IP address.
* **Using a Network Scanning App (if other methods fail):** If you can’t find the IP address using the above methods, you can use a network scanning app on your phone or computer. Popular options include Fing (available for Android and iOS) and Advanced IP Scanner (for Windows).
**Step 3: Add the Printer to Your Chromebook**
1. **Open Chrome Settings:** Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook screen, then click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
2. **Navigate to Advanced Settings:** Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings menu and click on “Advanced.” This will reveal more options.
3. **Open Printing Settings:** Scroll down to the “Printing” section and click on “Printers.”
4. **Add a Printer Manually:** Click on the “Add printer” button. A new window will appear.
5. **Enter Printer Details:**
* **Name:** Give your printer a descriptive name (e.g., “Living Room Printer,” “Office Laser Printer”).
* **Address:** Enter the IP address you found in Step 2.
* **Protocol:** Choose the appropriate protocol. Start with “IPP” or “HP Jet Direct – Socket.” If those don’t work, try “LPD.”
* **Queue:** For IPP, leave this blank. For LPD, try entering “queue” or “lp.”
6. **Search for a PPD:** Click “Add.” If Chrome OS can automatically detect the printer and its driver, you are all set. However, many printers require a PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file, a driver-like file that tells the Chromebook how to communicate with the printer. If prompted to provide a PPD file, continue to the next steps. If the printer works without a PPD file, you are done, and can test printing.
**Step 4: Find and Select a PPD File (If Required)**
If Chrome OS can’t automatically find the correct PPD file, you will need to manually find and upload it. Here’s how:
1. **Identify Your Printer Model:** Make sure you know the exact model number of your printer.
2. **Search Online for the PPD File:**
* **Manufacturer’s Website:** The best place to find the PPD file is on the printer manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson, Brother). Search for your printer model and look for a “Drivers & Downloads” section. Filter for drivers compatible with Linux or CUPS; these often include the PPD file. Look for a file ending in `.ppd` or `.ppd.gz`
* **OpenPrinting Database:** The OpenPrinting database ([https://openprinting.org/](https://openprinting.org/)) is a comprehensive resource for printer drivers and PPD files. Search for your printer model on their website.
* **Linux Driver Packages:** Sometimes, the PPD file is included in a Linux driver package. If you find a driver package for your printer, you can extract the PPD file from it. You may need to use a file extraction tool to open the package.
3. **Download the PPD File:** Download the PPD file to your Chromebook. Make sure to note where you save it (e.g., Downloads folder).
4. **Upload the PPD File:**
* Back in the “Add printer” window on your Chromebook, click on “Or provide a PPD file.”
* Click on “Choose file.”
* Navigate to the location where you saved the PPD file and select it.
* Click “Open.”
5. **Add the Printer:** Click “Add” to complete the printer setup.
**Step 5: Test the Printer**
1. **Open a Document:** Open a document or webpage you want to print.
2. **Print:** Press Ctrl + P (or go to File > Print).
3. **Select Your Printer:** Choose the printer you just added from the printer list.
4. **Print Settings:** Adjust the print settings (e.g., number of copies, paper size, color/black & white).
5. **Print:** Click “Print.”
If the printer prints successfully, congratulations! You have successfully added your printer using CUPS. If not, proceed to the troubleshooting section below.
## Method 2: Adding a Printer Using IPP/IPPS
IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) and IPPS (IPP over TLS) are modern network printing protocols that can be easier to set up than CUPS in some cases. They are particularly useful for printers that are already configured for network printing.
**Step 1: Connect Your Printer to the Network**
(Same as Step 1 in Method 1).
**Step 2: Find Your Printer’s IP Address**
(Same as Step 2 in Method 1).
**Step 3: Add the Printer to Your Chromebook**
1. **Open Chrome Settings:** (Same as Step 1 in Method 1).
2. **Navigate to Advanced Settings:** (Same as Step 2 in Method 1).
3. **Open Printing Settings:** (Same as Step 3 in Method 1).
4. **Add a Printer Manually:** (Same as Step 4 in Method 1).
5. **Enter Printer Details:**
* **Name:** Give your printer a descriptive name.
* **Address:** Enter the IP address you found in Step 2.
* **Protocol:** Choose “IPP” or “IPPS.” IPPS is the more secure option, but some printers may only support IPP.
* **Queue:** Leave this blank for IPP/IPPS.
6. **Add:** Click “Add.” Chrome OS may automatically detect the printer and its driver. If so, you’re done. If not, you may still be prompted to select a PPD file (see Step 4 in Method 1).
**Step 4: Test the Printer**
(Same as Step 5 in Method 1).
## Method 3: Adding a Printer Using Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct allows your Chromebook to connect directly to your printer without needing a traditional Wi-Fi network. This is useful if you don’t have a Wi-Fi network available or if you want a direct, secure connection.
**Step 1: Enable Wi-Fi Direct on Your Printer**
1. **Access Printer’s Control Panel:** Navigate to the printer’s control panel (usually through the printer’s display screen and buttons).
2. **Enable Wi-Fi Direct:** Look for a “Wi-Fi Direct” or “Direct Wireless” setting. Enable it.
3. **Find the Wi-Fi Direct Name (SSID) and Password:** The printer will usually display the Wi-Fi Direct network name (SSID) and password. Note these down; you’ll need them to connect your Chromebook.
**Step 2: Connect Your Chromebook to the Printer’s Wi-Fi Direct Network**
1. **Open Chromebook’s Wi-Fi Settings:** Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook screen, then click on the Wi-Fi icon.
2. **Select the Printer’s Wi-Fi Direct Network:** Look for the Wi-Fi Direct network name (SSID) you found in Step 1. Click on it.
3. **Enter the Password:** Enter the password for the Wi-Fi Direct network and click “Connect.”
**Step 3: Add the Printer to Your Chromebook (Using IPP)**
Even though you are connected via Wi-Fi Direct, you will still typically add the printer using the IPP protocol. The IP address may be different than if it was connected to your regular network.
1. **Find the Printer’s IP Address (Wi-Fi Direct):** After connecting your Chromebook to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network, you may need to find the *new* IP address assigned to the printer in this mode. This is usually found in the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct settings or a status report.
2. **Open Chrome Settings:** (Same as Step 1 in Method 1).
3. **Navigate to Advanced Settings:** (Same as Step 2 in Method 1).
4. **Open Printing Settings:** (Same as Step 3 in Method 1).
5. **Add a Printer Manually:** (Same as Step 4 in Method 1).
6. **Enter Printer Details:**
* **Name:** Give your printer a descriptive name.
* **Address:** Enter the *Wi-Fi Direct* IP address you found in Step 1.
* **Protocol:** Choose “IPP.”
* **Queue:** Leave this blank.
7. **Add:** Click “Add.” You may be prompted to select a PPD file (see Step 4 in Method 1).
**Step 4: Test the Printer**
(Same as Step 5 in Method 1).
**Important Considerations for Wi-Fi Direct:**
* **Internet Access:** When connected to a Wi-Fi Direct network, your Chromebook may lose its internet connection. Some printers offer concurrent Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi network connections, but this is not always the case.
* **Security:** Wi-Fi Direct is generally secure if you use a strong password. However, it’s essential to keep the password private.
## Troubleshooting Common Printing Problems
Even with careful setup, you may encounter printing issues. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
* **Printer Not Found:**
* **Check the Network Connection:** Ensure the printer and Chromebook are on the same network (or connected via Wi-Fi Direct).
* **Verify the IP Address:** Double-check the IP address you entered in the Chromebook’s settings. An incorrect IP address is a common cause of this issue.
* **Firewall Issues:** A firewall may be blocking communication between the Chromebook and the printer. Temporarily disable the firewall (if possible) to see if that resolves the issue. If so, you’ll need to configure the firewall to allow printing traffic.
* **Printer Offline:** Make sure the printer is powered on and online. Check the printer’s display for any error messages.
* **Print Job Stuck in Queue:**
* **Restart the Printer:** Power cycle the printer (turn it off and on again).
* **Clear the Print Queue:** Some printers have an option to clear the print queue. Check the printer’s control panel or settings.
* **Restart the Chromebook:** Sometimes, a simple restart of the Chromebook can clear the print queue.
* **Garbled or Incorrect Output:**
* **Incorrect PPD File:** Make sure you are using the correct PPD file for your printer model. If you are unsure, try downloading a new PPD file from the manufacturer’s website.
* **Driver Compatibility:** While PPD files help, sometimes underlying driver issues can cause problems. Check online forums for specific issues with your printer model and Chromebook.
* **Printer Doesn’t Support IPP/IPPS:**
* **Try CUPS:** If IPP/IPPS doesn’t work, try adding the printer using the CUPS (Legacy Printing) method.
* **Color Printing Issues:**
* **Check Print Settings:** Make sure the print settings are configured for color printing.
* **Ink Levels:** Check the ink or toner levels in the printer. Low ink levels can sometimes cause color printing problems.
* **Chromebook Update Issues:**
* Very rarely a chrome os update will cause printing to stop working. If this happens, you may need to remove the printer and add it again. You can also try restarting the chromebook after updating.
## Additional Tips and Considerations
* **Keep Your Printer Firmware Up to Date:** Printer manufacturers often release firmware updates that improve performance and fix bugs. Check your printer manufacturer’s website for updates and instructions on how to install them.
* **Use Google Docs for Printing:** Google Docs is well-integrated with Chromebooks and often provides the best printing experience. If you are having trouble printing from other apps, try copying the content to a Google Doc and printing from there.
* **Consider a Cloud-Ready Printer (Though Not Essential):** While Google Cloud Print is gone, some newer printers are designed to work seamlessly with cloud services. These printers may offer easier setup and integration with Chromebooks, though they are not required.
* **Check the Chrome OS Help Documentation:** Google provides extensive help documentation for Chrome OS, including information on printing. Refer to the official Chrome OS help resources for the latest information and troubleshooting tips.
## Conclusion
Adding a printer to your Chromebook may seem complex at first, but by following these detailed steps, you can successfully connect your printer and start printing. Remember to choose the method that best suits your printer and network configuration. With a little patience and troubleshooting, you can overcome common printing issues and enjoy the convenience of printing from your Chromebook. Good luck!